Animated, drink mixing mannequin

ABSTRACT

A mannequin body formed of flesh-colored flesh-like soft plastic or rubber, motor-driven mechanism which imparts gyratory movements to certain portions of the body and an associated receptacle holder, thereby to mix the contents of a receptacle in the holder.

United States Patent {19] Poynter Jan. 16, 1973 [s41 ANIMATED, DRINK MIXING A. L. Hirsch Sales Inc., Catalog, 1970- 1971, p. 29,

MANNEQUIN [76] Inventor: Donald B. Poynter, 7 Arcadia Place, pmfiary Exam" lerL0u's Mancene Cincinnati, Ohio 45 208 Assistant Exammer-J. Q. Lever Attorney-J. Warren Kinney, Jr. [22] Filed: Feb. 12, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 10,850 AB TRACT A mannequin body formed of flesh-colored flesh-like [52] US. Cl ..46/l36, 259/72 plastic or rubber, -driven mechanism which [51] Int. Cl. ..A63h 13/02 mp r gyr ry mo ements to certain portions of the [58] Field of Search ..259/72; 46/ 136; 40/ 106.34; body and an associated receptacle h thereby 10 99/287 mix the contents of a receptacle in the holder.

References Cited OTHER PUBLICATIONS A. L. Hirsch Sales Inc. catalog s lifiol einent. Jan. 1, 1970 p. 1.

22 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJAH 16 I975 3,710,507

sum 1 [IF 3 INVENTOR 45 DONALD B. POYNTER FIG-3 ATTO EY PAIENTEDJAH 16 I975 3.710.507

sum 2 0F 3 wvewron DONALD BJPOYNTER ATTO N Y PMENIUIM \8 M3 SHEET 3 [1F 3 INVENTOR DONALD B. POYNTER BY% I AW" f? E) ANIMATED, DRINK MIXING MANNEQUIN This invention relates to an animated drink mixing mannequin.

The drink mixing mannequin of this invention may be used as a bar ornament or the like, the purpose of which is to provide entertainment and induce friendly conversation at social gatherings or parties. The mannequin preferably is in the form of an attractive cafe girl or hostess briefly attired, and constructed of fleshcolored flesh-like soft plastic. Within the body of the mannequin is incorporated mechanical means for imparting to the soft plastic body the exotic gyratory movements of a dancing girl. The body may carry a receptacle holder for a beverage glass or the like, to which the gyratory movements of the mannequin are imparted so as to stir or mix the contents of the beverage glass supported by the holder, much to the amusement of the onlooker.

An object of the invention is to provide an attractive readily salable drink mixer in the form of a life-like but miniature mannequin so constructed as to impart to a drink receptacle certain gyratory movements of a dancing girl or equivalent performer.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character stated, in which the movements of a performer are exceedingly life-like and produced by mechanical means of a simple, inexpensive and highly serviceable nature.

A further object is to provide in a device of the character stated, a receptacle holder so constructed as to accommodate receptacles of many types and sizes.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the means described herein and illustrated upon the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section of the same.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-section showing the gyratory mechanism of FIG. 2 on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the gyratory mechanism and associated elements.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken on line 55 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 7 through 10 are cross-sectional views taken on line XX of FIG. 2 and showing the gyratory mechanism in various stages of operation.

The body 12 of the mannequin of figure may be made life-like in appearance with the use of a fleshcolored soft, rubber-like material. The body conveniently may comprise separate parts or sections joined to one another, such as the leg section 14, the torso section 16, the head 18, and the arms 20. The head and arms may be attached to the torso by means of separable ball and socket joints, as at 22 and 24, rendering these partsadjustable or disposable to various natural positions relative to the torso. Thus, the arms may be placed in selected elevated or lowered positions, and the head may be rotatably positioned at the neck.

The leg section 14, which comprises both legs and a portion of the hips or buttocks, may be joined along a transverse line or joint 26 which may normally be covered by an article of clothing 28. The joint at 26 may be a permanently cemented joint, if desired, closed and secured after assembly of the operating mechanism within the body of the mannequin. The numeral 32 indicates a holder for a receptacle or drinking glass 34.

The mannequin stands upon a base 36 in which is housed a small electric motor M (FIG. 2), energizable by dry cells or another source of electric power, the operation of the motor being controlled by an electric switch 38. If desired, the switch may be one of the delayed action type which after manual closing, remains closed-circuited for a predetermined period of time, for example a minute or less by preference. The motor is arranged to rotate an upright shaft 40 which extends through the top of base 36 and along one of the legs of the mannequin. Motor M, of course, may be a spring motor if desired, or one of any other type capable of driving the shaft 40.

Upstanding upon the base 36 is a rigid inverted U- frame 42 comprising a head plate 44 and a pair of depending legs 46, 46. The lower ends of said legs may be fixed to base 36 at 48 in any suitable manner. Legs 46 may be channel-shaped in transverse cross-section as shown, and the channel of one of the legs may accommodate the rotary shaft 40. Shaft 40 and the legs 46 are encased loosely by the flexible leg portion of the mannequin body.

Upon the head plate 44 is fixedly mounted a bearing plate 48, which is spaced from the head plate according to FIG. 3. Between said plates 44 and 48 is located gearing driven by shaft 40 through a coupler 50 fixed on one of two upright crank shafts 52, 54, said crank shafts being journalled in vertically aligned holes in plates 44 and 48 as shown. Each crank shaft carries a pinion gear 51, which gears 51 are in constant mesh with an intermediate gear 53. Accordingly, rotary motion of drive shaft 40 is translated to shafts 52 and 54 through the gear and pinions aforesaid, to rotate shafts 52 and 54 in a common direction and at equal rates of speed.

The torso support post 56 has a lower end portion fixed by means of a stationary ferrule 58 upon bearing plate 48 in upright position, and gear 53 rotates freely thereon as an idler. At its upper end, the stationary post 56 carries a fixed neck and shoulder form member or matrix 60 the purpose of which is to support the neck and shoulder portions of torso 16 substantially rigidly with respect to plates 48 and 44. Torso support post 56 preferably is non-rotatable.

The upper end of each crank shaft carries a crank, denoted 62 and 64, said cranks being fixed upon the shafts. Each crank carries an upstanding crankpin 66, and the crankpins project through bearing openings 68, 68 formed in a gyratory saddle 70. Bearing openings 68, 68 are spaced apart a distance approximating the distance between shafts 52 and 54, but are offset from the axes of said shaft a distance equal to the throw of the cranks. Washers or fasteners 72 engage the crankpins to preclude upward displacement of saddle from the cranks. The saddle may rest upon bearing plate 48, or upon the cranks, as desired. Plate 48 may be fixed to head plate 44 if any suitable manner, although in the example of FIG. 4 the mounting is by means of bendable lugs 74 insertable through slits 76 7 provided in the head plate.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that the mechanism of FIG. 4 when assembled can be activated by drive shaft 40 to rotate the shafts 52, 54 and the cranks thereon, causing the crankpins 66 to move the gyratory plate or saddle 70 along an orbital path parallel to the plane of bearing plate 48. FIGS. 7 through indicate several positions of the saddle 70 with relation to the cranks 62, 64, and to the base 36. It is noted that the saddle is provided with an enlarged opening 78 permitting the stationary post 56 to project through it without interfering with the saddle movements.

By referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, it is apparent that the gyratory element or saddle 70 fits snugly within the rubber-like torso 16 at the approximate location of joint 26, and that movements of the saddle will therefore be imparted to the lower portion of torso 16 and the upper portion of leg section 14. The resultant gyrations imparted to the body of the dancing figure by the cranks and saddle 70 are found to be especially life-like in character. By reason of the fact that form member 60 is stationary, as is also the pair of legs 46, most of the body movement is confined to the lower half of the torso and so much of the upper leg section 14 as may incidentally be moved by conduction through the flexible body material.

Movements of the saddle element 70 is imparted to holder 32 and receptacle 34 supported thereby, for drink mixing or stirring purposes. The saddle therefor may include a rigid forward extension or arm 80 which projects through an opening in the torso, and carries a transverse pivot pin 82. A bracket 84 having divergent arms 86, 86 is apertured at 88 to receive pin 82, thereby to provide pivotal support for bracket 84 upon arm 80. By means of small rivets 90 or other suitable fastening means, the substantially circular holder or girdle 32 may be secured to the bracket arms 86,86. The holder or girdle 32 may normally be supported in horizontal position by means of a delicate chain or cord 92 (FIG. 1) draped about the neck of the figure and having its opposite ends attached to the holder.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that gyratory or orbital movements of saddle 70 and nearby body I parts, will be transmitted to the holder 32 and to the liquid contents of a receptacle 34 supported thereby, as indicated by arrows 94 in FIGS. 7 through 10.

The holder or girdle 32 preferably is furnished with a receptacle bottom supporter 96 which serves to support any receptacle which may not be adequately held by the holder or girdle alone, due to a loose fitting of the receptacle therein. Supporter 96 may comprise an elongate leg 98 having at one end a bottom foot 100 turned at right angles thereto, and at the opposite ends a pair of parallel ears 102 perforated to receive a pivot pin 104 that passes through the perforations oflugs 106 carried by bracket 84. Thus, the leg 98 is pivotally movable relative to bracket 84, between the horizontal inoperative position shown in full lines upon FIG. 2, to an operative lowered position in support of the receptacle, according to broken lines 96 and 100 upon FIG. 2.

The receptacle bottom supporter 96 preferably, though not necessarily, is held normally in the inoperative or elevated position shown in full lines 96, FIG. 2, by means of a wire spring 108. Accordingly, when a receptacle or beverage glass is inserted in the holder, its bottom will strike and move the y'ieldable supported arm to the lowered position, at which the foot 100 will support the receptacle or glass according to FIGS. 1

and 2. The switch button 38 then may be depressed to initiate the mixing or stirring operation, after which the receptacle 34 may be lifted from the holder, permitting spring-return of supporter 96 to the elevated or inoperative position.

If desired, the receptacle bottom supporter may be mounted rigidly upon the holder or any suitable element of the mechanism, with foot always in supportive or operative position. The ring-like girdle may be severed at 110, permitting flexation or bending thereof so as to accommodate receptacles of various sizes and shapes.

What is claimed is:

1. An animated mannequin including a hollow body defining leg, hip, torso and head portions formed of flexible material, means mounting said body in upstanding position on a support base, motor driven means within said body for imparting gyratory movements to the hip portions thereof, and a beverage receptacle holder secured to and carried by said motor driven means wherein said holder projects forwardly from the hip portion of said body.

2. A mannequin as called for in claim 1 which includes means for securing the upper torso and lower leg portions against movement by said motor driven means.

3. A mannequin as called for in claim 1 wherein said support base is hollow and includes an upper, apertured platform; a motor within said base; a frame within said body leg and hip portions comprising a pair of upright legs having lower ends fixed upon said platform, and having upper ends supporting said motordriven means; a drive member disposed lengthwise of and in close proximity to one of said frame legs, said drive member connecting said motor-driven means in driven connection with said motor.

4. A mannequin as called for in claim 3 which includes an upright element extending lengthwise through the hollow torso portion of the body; means supporting one end of said element in fixed relation to said frame; and means on the other end of said element for transversely supporting the head adjacent end of said torso.

5. The device as defined by claim 3, wherein said frame includes a stationary bearing plate supported by said frame legs, and said motor-driven means comprises: a gyratory saddle movable relative to said plate; a pair of cranks rotatable in spaced journals of said bearing plate, said cranks each including an upright crankpin; means driven by said upright drive shaft for rotating said cranks at a common rate of speed in a common direction of rotation; hearings in the saddle accommodating said crankpins, said bearings being spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing of said crank journals from one another; said saddle having an outer periphery contoured to the hollow hip portion of said flexible body whereby gyratory movement of the saddle is imparted directly to the hip portion of the mannequin.

6. A mannequin as called for in claim 5 wherein the saddle includes a beverage receptacle holder which projects forwardly from the hip portion of the mannequin, said holder being subject to the gyratory mo-.

tion of the saddle.

7. A mannequin as defined by claim 1, wherein said beverage receptacle holder comprises a support bracket, a substantially ring-shaped girdle member receptive of a beverage receptacle to substantially surround the side wall of the receptacle, and a movable bottom supporter having a foot to intercept and support the bottom of a receptacle introduced into the girdle member; means pivoting said supporter upon said bracket for movement between an inoperative elevated position and an operative lowered position, in which latter position said foot supports the receptacle bottom; and spring means normally yieldingly holding said supporter in the inoperative position, for displacement to said operative position by contact with the bottom of a receptacle passed through the girdle member.

8. The device as defined by claim 7, wherein said support bracket for the holder is mounted upon said motor-driven means for movement therewith.

9. The device as defined by claim 8, wherein the girdle member is severed at a location remote from the supportbracket, and' is flexible for accommodating receptacles of various shapes and sizes.

10. A drink mixing device which comprises in combination: a human figure mannequin having a body formed of soft flesh-colored flexible material representative of human skin, said body comprising an upright leg section, an upright torso, and a head section; a substantially rigid frame within said leg section including at least one rigid leg upon which the mannequin stands in upright position; a beverage receptacle holder adapted to support a receptacle in upright position adjacent to the body torso; a motor; and means on said frame driven by said motor to gyrate the torso and impart gyratory movements to said receptacle holder for agitating the contents of a receptacle supported by said holder.

11. The device as defined by claim 10, wherein the gyrations imparted to the torso are initiated in the re gion of the lower portion of the torso; and the combination includes means reinforcing the upper portion of the torso against gyratory movement with the lower portion thereof.

12. The device as defined by claim 11, wherein said motor is located outside the limits of said body.

13. The device as defined by claim 11, wherein the combination includes means for automatically limiting the duration of successive operations of said motor.

14. The device as defined by claim 11, wherein said means last mentioned includes a substantially stationary post upstanding upon said frame, and a matrix carried by said post in position to lend support to the upper portion of the torso interiorly thereof.

15. The device as defined by claim 14, wherein said frame includes a stationary bearing plate supported by said frame leg, and said motor driven means comprises: a gyratory saddle movable relative to said plate; a pair of cranks rotatable in spaced journals of said bearing plate, said cranks each including an upright crankpin;

means driven by said motor for rotating the cranks at a common rate of speed in a common direction of rotation; bearings in the saddle accommodating said crankpins, said bearings being spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing of said crank journals from one another; said saddle comprising an element of the means for imparting fiyratory movements to said rece8tacle holder.

16. e device as defined by claim 1 frame includes a stationary bearing plate supported by said frame leg, and said motor driven means comprises:

a gyratory saddle movable relative to said plate; a pair of cranks rotatable in spaced journals of said bearing plate, said cranks each including an upright crankpin; means driven by said motor for rotating the cranks at a common rate of speed in a common direction of rotation; bearings in the saddle accommodating said crankpins, said bearings being spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing of said crank journals from one another; said saddle comprising an element of the means for imparting gyratory movements to said receptacle holder.

17. The device as called for in claim 16, wherein the means for rotating the cranks at a common rate of speed in a common direction of rotation comprises a pair of identical gears, one for each crank and an idler gear engaged by each of said gears.

18. A drink mixing device which comprises in combination: a mannequin figure having a body formed at least partly of flexible material; motor-driven means for imparting movements to a flexible portion of said body; and a beverage receptacle holder incorporating the movements of said flexible body portion, for agitating the contents of a receptacle supported by said holder.

19. The device as defined by claim 18, wherein said body appears to provide the sole support for said holder.

20. The device as defined by claim 18, wherein the body includes a leg section, an upright platform supporting said leg section; a motor within said base; a frame within said body leg section comprising a pair of upright legs having lower ends fixed upon said base, and having upper ends supporting said motor-driven means; a drive shaft disposed lengthwise of and in close proximity to one of said frame legs, said drive shaft having a lower end portion projected through said base aperture and rotatably driven by said motor, and an upper end drivingly related to said motor-driven means, and means associated with said motor-driven means, for supporting said receptacle holder.

21. The device as defined by claim 20, wherein the combination includes: an upright post extending lengthwise through the body torso; means supporting the lower end of said post in fixed relation to said frame; and means located near the top of said fixed post for supporting the upper portion of said upright torso.

22. The device as defined by claim 20, wherein the supporting means for said holder locates said holder adjacent to the lower end portion of the upright torso.

wherein said i 

1. An animated mannequin including a hollow body defining leg, hip, torso and head portions formed of flexible material, means mounting said body in upstanding position on a support base, motor driven means within said body for imparting gyratory movements to the hip portions thereof, and a beverage receptacle holder secured to and carried by said motor driven means wherein said holder projects forwardly from the hip portion of said body.
 2. A mannequin as called for in claim 1 which includes means for securing the upper torso and lower leg portions against movement by said motor driven means.
 3. A mannequin as called foR in claim 1 wherein said support base is hollow and includes an upper, apertured platform; a motor within said base; a frame within said body leg and hip portions comprising a pair of upright legs having lower ends fixed upon said platform, and having upper ends supporting said motor-driven means; a drive member disposed lengthwise of and in close proximity to one of said frame legs, said drive member connecting said motor-driven means in driven connection with said motor.
 4. A mannequin as called for in claim 3 which includes an upright element extending lengthwise through the hollow torso portion of the body; means supporting one end of said element in fixed relation to said frame; and means on the other end of said element for transversely supporting the head adjacent end of said torso.
 5. The device as defined by claim 3, wherein said frame includes a stationary bearing plate supported by said frame legs, and said motor-driven means comprises: a gyratory saddle movable relative to said plate; a pair of cranks rotatable in spaced journals of said bearing plate, said cranks each including an upright crankpin; means driven by said upright drive shaft for rotating said cranks at a common rate of speed in a common direction of rotation; bearings in the saddle accommodating said crankpins, said bearings being spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing of said crank journals from one another; said saddle having an outer periphery contoured to the hollow hip portion of said flexible body whereby gyratory movement of the saddle is imparted directly to the hip portion of the mannequin.
 6. A mannequin as called for in claim 5 wherein the saddle includes a beverage receptacle holder which projects forwardly from the hip portion of the mannequin, said holder being subject to the gyratory motion of the saddle.
 7. A mannequin as defined by claim 1, wherein said beverage receptacle holder comprises a support bracket, a substantially ring-shaped girdle member receptive of a beverage receptacle to substantially surround the side wall of the receptacle, and a movable bottom supporter having a foot to intercept and support the bottom of a receptacle introduced into the girdle member; means pivoting said supporter upon said bracket for movement between an inoperative elevated position and an operative lowered position, in which latter position said foot supports the receptacle bottom; and spring means normally yieldingly holding said supporter in the inoperative position, for displacement to said operative position by contact with the bottom of a receptacle passed through the girdle member.
 8. The device as defined by claim 7, wherein said support bracket for the holder is mounted upon said motor-driven means for movement therewith.
 9. The device as defined by claim 8, wherein the girdle member is severed at a location remote from the supportbracket, and is flexible for accommodating receptacles of various shapes and sizes.
 10. A drink mixing device which comprises in combination: a human figure mannequin having a body formed of soft flesh-colored flexible material representative of human skin, said body comprising an upright leg section, an upright torso, and a head section; a substantially rigid frame within said leg section including at least one rigid leg upon which the mannequin stands in upright position; a beverage receptacle holder adapted to support a receptacle in upright position adjacent to the body torso; a motor; and means on said frame driven by said motor to gyrate the torso and impart gyratory movements to said receptacle holder for agitating the contents of a receptacle supported by said holder.
 11. The device as defined by claim 10, wherein the gyrations imparted to the torso are initiated in the region of the lower portion of the torso; and the combination includes means reinforcing the upper portion of the torso against gyratory movement with the lower portion thereof.
 12. The device as defined by claim 11, wherein said motor is located ouTside the limits of said body.
 13. The device as defined by claim 11, wherein the combination includes means for automatically limiting the duration of successive operations of said motor.
 14. The device as defined by claim 11, wherein said means last mentioned includes a substantially stationary post upstanding upon said frame, and a matrix carried by said post in position to lend support to the upper portion of the torso interiorly thereof.
 15. The device as defined by claim 14, wherein said frame includes a stationary bearing plate supported by said frame leg, and said motor driven means comprises: a gyratory saddle movable relative to said plate; a pair of cranks rotatable in spaced journals of said bearing plate, said cranks each including an upright crankpin; means driven by said motor for rotating the cranks at a common rate of speed in a common direction of rotation; bearings in the saddle accommodating said crankpins, said bearings being spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing of said crank journals from one another; said saddle comprising an element of the means for imparting gyratory movements to said receptacle holder.
 16. The device as defined by claim 10, wherein said frame includes a stationary bearing plate supported by said frame leg, and said motor driven means comprises: a gyratory saddle movable relative to said plate; a pair of cranks rotatable in spaced journals of said bearing plate, said cranks each including an upright crankpin; means driven by said motor for rotating the cranks at a common rate of speed in a common direction of rotation; bearings in the saddle accommodating said crankpins, said bearings being spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing of said crank journals from one another; said saddle comprising an element of the means for imparting gyratory movements to said receptacle holder.
 17. The device as called for in claim 16, wherein the means for rotating the cranks at a common rate of speed in a common direction of rotation comprises a pair of identical gears, one for each crank and an idler gear engaged by each of said gears.
 18. A drink mixing device which comprises in combination: a mannequin figure having a body formed at least partly of flexible material; motor-driven means for imparting movements to a flexible portion of said body; and a beverage receptacle holder incorporating the movements of said flexible body portion, for agitating the contents of a receptacle supported by said holder.
 19. The device as defined by claim 18, wherein said body appears to provide the sole support for said holder.
 20. The device as defined by claim 18, wherein the body includes a leg section, an upright platform supporting said leg section; a motor within said base; a frame within said body leg section comprising a pair of upright legs having lower ends fixed upon said base, and having upper ends supporting said motor-driven means; a drive shaft disposed lengthwise of and in close proximity to one of said frame legs, said drive shaft having a lower end portion projected through said base aperture and rotatably driven by said motor, and an upper end drivingly related to said motor-driven means, and means associated with said motor-driven means, for supporting said receptacle holder.
 21. The device as defined by claim 20, wherein the combination includes: an upright post extending lengthwise through the body torso; means supporting the lower end of said post in fixed relation to said frame; and means located near the top of said fixed post for supporting the upper portion of said upright torso.
 22. The device as defined by claim 20, wherein the supporting means for said holder locates said holder adjacent to the lower end portion of the upright torso. 